Smoke Alarms for existing dwellings Fraser Coast

From first of January 2017

Existing smoke alarms manufactured more than 10 years ago must be replaced with photoelectric smoke alarms which comply with Australian Standards (AS) 3786-2014. (Note: the date should be stamped on the back)

Smoke alarms that do not operate when tested must be replaced immediately.

Existing hardwired smoke alarms that need replacement, must be replaced with a hardwired photoelectric smoke alarm.

It is also recommended that:

smoke alarms be either hardwired or

powered by a non-removable 10-year battery; and

ionisation smoke alarms be replaced with a photoelectric type as soon as possible.

For the best protection smoke alarms should be installed on each storey:

in every bedroom

in hallways which connect bedrooms and the rest of the dwelling

if there is no hallway, between the bedrooms and other parts of the storey; and

if there are no bedrooms on a storey, at least one smoke alarm should be installed in the most likely path of travel to exit the dwelling.

All smoke alarms should be interconnected.

To get everyone out safely during a house fire, it is essential to also have a well-practised fire escape plan.